The popularity of CBD continues to grow as more people learn of it and more manufacturers enter the market. Of the many CBD products available, CBD oil is among the pioneering formulations. It is simple to utilize and comes in various potencies and flavors. Many people are using CBD oil for different reasons, giving reviews of how the product has improved their wellness. Does CBD oil offer any health benefits? Continue reading for details on CBD oil benefits and other vital things you should know, including CBD’s legality and proper use.
What is CBD?
Before delving into exactly what CBD is, what does CBD stand for in the first place? CBD is the short form for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid that has become popular in recent years and continues to. Leading manufacturers makes CBD from hemp plants as required by federal law. CBD does not make users high. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid that makes people high, and hemp has trace levels of THC, which will not leave you stoned.
There are three types of CBD full-spectrum, isolate, and broad-spectrum. Isolate CBD contains cannabidiol only and nothing else from hemp. Full-spectrum CBD has various hemp components, including CBD, minor cannabinoids (like CBC, CBG, CBN, and trace levels of THC), flavonoids, terpenes, fatty acids, and minerals. Experts explain that CBD works better when used with other hemp elements, something they call the entourage effect. On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD does not have any THC but contains CBD, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes.
Companies combine CBD and carrier oil like MCT oil or olive oil to make CBD oil. CBD oil comes in different strengths ranging from 300mg to 7500mg per bottle. Apart from the natural hemp flavor, the market provides flavored CBD oil options such as mint, vanilla, citrus, and berry.
Scientific Research That Supports What CBD Oil is Good for
Preliminary research shows promising results about CBD. The cannabinoid has been linked to improving the well-being of users in various ways, but some CBD benefits need more extensive research.
A small trial looked into the use of topical CBD oil on participants with peripheral neuropathy of the legs. 29 participants were given 250mg of CBD and monitored. After four weeks, researchers identified a significant improvement in intense pain, itchy sensations, and sharp pain in those who were given CBD oil.
Epidiolex is an FDA-approved epilepsy drug that contains CBD. It is used to treat rare types of epilepsy Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. This shows CBD’s potential in improving wellness, and with more research, experts may discover more about how the cannabinoid can benefit the human body.
Another study involving a simulated public speaking scenario established that CBD lowered anxiety in participants. Those who used CBD reported feeling less anxious. Nonetheless, more research is necessary on CBD and mood disorders like social anxiety.
Anecdotal research has also looked into CBD and addiction management, and the results are intriguing. One study included in the American Journal of Psychiatry looked into CBD’s effect on cue-inducing craving and anxiety in those with heroin use disorder. It established that CBD could reduce cravings and anxiety, but more research is vital.
Studies show CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help with acne and other skin conditions. One study involving humans published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation discovered that CBD prevented the overproduction of sebum, an effect that may prevent acne from getting worse. Sebum is an oily, natural component the skin produces to hydrate itself. However, overproduction of the oil may contribute to acne.
Initial research also suggests that CBD may have neuroprotective properties that may help with conditions like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s Disease. Nevertheless, more studies are needed on this CBD benefit, like many others. CBD may also alleviate nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy treatment.
What are the Benefits of CBD?
Anecdotal research shows encouraging results on CBD’s wellness benefits. Even though more research is necessary, we cannot ignore the potential CBD shows in improving the well-being of users. Below is how CBD may support wellness.
Epilepsy
The FDA in 2018 approved Epidiolex, a drug that contains CBD, to treat epilepsy in children two years and older. This provides hope for patients who conventional epilepsy medication has not helped. The medication is approved, and you can speak to a doctor about it if other drugs are ineffective.
A study done in 2016 involving 214 people with epilepsy discovered that participants had 36.5% fewer seizures per month. They were given 2-5mg of oral CBD per day with their existing anti-seizure medications. However, 12% of the participants had severe adverse effects.
Pain and Inflammation
Studies have shown CBD to have analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory benefits. CBD improves different physical discomforts, including joint pain and soreness. The cannabinoid may alleviate pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis. It alters how the body perceives pain, helping relieve aches. CBD supports the functioning of the endocannabinoid system, which regulates functions such as pain, mood, sleep, appetite, and immunity responses.
Anxiety and Depression
CBD oil may also help with anxiety and depression. It has mood-regulating effects that help the body find balance for mental wellness. As mentioned earlier, CBD may alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, helping users calm down and get things done. The mood regulation benefit may improve depression to foster your overall well-being. If you are on medication, speak to your doctor before using CBD for anxiety and depression.
Sleep and Insomnia
Sleep is a vital part of wellness. Poor sleep affects your mood, focus, and attention. Sleeping pills may help but can be addictive and cause side effects. CBD oil may improve sleep and ease insomnia. CBD’s relaxing effects help you rest easily after a long day.
Other conditions like pain, inflammation, and anxiety can make sleeping difficult. CBD may alleviate these conditions, improving your sleep quality.
Neuroprotection
Research shows CBD may have neuroprotective properties. This is one of the CBD benefits that require more studies. Cannabidiol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that may help with conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. CBD lowers inflammation, a condition that can worsen neurodegenerative symptoms.
Acne
Inflammation in the skin and overproduction of sebum cause acne, a skin condition that afflicts many. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help deal with inflammation. Research also suggests CBD might prevent the overproduction of sebum, but more studies are needed. It would not hurt to try CBD for acne. The cannabinoid is safe, and many people tolerate it without problems.
Cancer Treatment
CBD may offer anti-tumor benefits, but there is limited research on this. Initial research suggests CBD may inhibit the increase of cancerous cells, stopping the spread of certain cancers. Nonetheless, this has not been proven, and researchers need to do much more on CBD and cancer treatment.
CBD may also relieve chemotherapy nausea and vomiting, easing the discomfort for users. Stakeholders in the CBD and medical industry should put more effort into CBD for cancer treatment to establish whether CBD can actually help.
Addiction Management
Some experts argue that CBD oil may help manage addiction, but like many other purported CBD benefits, this needs extensive research too. One study found CBD may lower cue-inducing cravings and anxiety in people with heroin use disorder. What about other drugs and alcohol? Only more studies can prove CBD’s potential to help with addiction management.
Other CBD Oil Benefits
We have discussed some of the benefits CBD may offer for users. The product may also alleviate psychosis, substance abuse, metabolic problems, migraines, arthritis, stress, and attention problems. It can also support recovery after workouts. Exercise sometimes causes inflammation and pain, symptoms that CBD may relieve. The cannabinoid has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which have been studied more than other benefits.
Ensure you buy high-quality CBD oil. The CBD market is not regulated, and buying something low-quality is possible. However, with a few factors in mind, you should have an easier time identifying the best CBD oil to purchase. Go for products made from organic hemp, which is free of chemicals such as pesticides. Besides, the best way to derive CBD from hemp is using the CO2 method. CO2 (carbon dioxide) is a safe component that does not put your health at risk. Avoid CBD made using solvents.
The best brands also take their CBD oil through third-party testing. They conduct in-house tests on their CBD products and use independent laboratories to confirm product purity and composition. The third-party lab results should be quickly accessible on a company’s website. Remember to check the other ingredients in the CBD oil you want to buy. Quality CBD formulas contain safe, natural, simple components.
How to Use CBD
You can use CBD in several ways to reap the wellness benefits it may offer. Here is how.
Sublingual
After knowing CBD oil benefits, the next thing to consider is how to take CBD oil properly. The best way to use CBD oil for pain or other symptoms is sublingual. This is where you administer a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue and wait for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. Holding the serving in your mouth enhances the absorption of CBD oil into your bloodstream.
The effects of CBD oil should kick in within 15-20 minutes. The sublingual method is also the most effective way to use CBD oil for anxiety. You get to deliver CBD into your body faster for the calm and focus you need when feeling anxious. You can also use CBD oil for sleep a few minutes before bed.
Oral
You can also use oral CBD in the form of gummies and capsules. These two CBD products contain pre-measured amounts of CBD. You do not have to measure CBD servings, which saves you time. CBD gummies and capsules are also discreet and easy to utilize on the go. Besides, gummies come in delicious flavors to consider. You can use CBD gummies for anxiety to help you stay calm when triggered.
However, the effects of gummies and capsules take longer to kick in since the products go through your gut. It can take up to an hour to feel a change in your being. Nevertheless, the effects of gummies and capsules last longer in your system, providing you the relief you need for balance. Ensure you take CBD gummies for sleep early enough for timely onset of effects.
Topical
Brands also provide CBD in topical forms such as creams, salves, lotions, and bath bombs. CBD cream and salve provide localized pain relief to the affected body part only, enhancing the efficiency of CBD. They come in different potencies for mild and severe discomfort. CBD lotions allow CBD to reach your entire body. They are easier to apply to large parts of your body. You can also add CBD bath bombs to your tub for enhanced relaxation at home.
Transdermal
Transdermal CBD is another way to utilize the cannabinoid. The CBD in topicals does not enter your bloodstream. Transdermal CBD reaches your blood. How long you wear the CBD patch depends on the brand. Some CBD patches can be worn for 24 hours and others for less. With transdermal CBD, you may not have to keep applying CBD on the skin.
Inhale
You can also inhale CBD using CBD vape devices. Vaping is not a recommended way to use CBD. However, the market has many reputable brands offering high-quality CBD vape products to ensure your safety. Inhaling CBD provides relief faster than sublingual CBD. You can feel the effect in 3-5 minutes. CBD vapor enters your lungs and into your bloodstream in one draw.
Side Effects of CBD Oil
CBD oil is safe, and many users tolerate it. However, there have been reports of a few side effects, which are rare. CBD oil side effects include diarrhea, fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, and changes in weight and appetite. Our bodies react differently to CBD. The side effects should not scare you from trying CBD oil. Some medications have adverse side effects. Moreover, the effects of CBD oil are more likely to occur if you use high doses. If you have never used CBD oil, start with a low dose and increase it slowly if need be to find an effective quantity.
If you are on medication, speak to your doctor before using CBD. The cannabinoid interacts with some drugs, such as those with a grapefruit warning, affecting how they work in your body.
Is CBD Legal?
CBD is legal federally, according to the 2018 Farm Bill that became law. The regulation removed hemp with 0.3% THC from the list of controlled substances. CBD is a derivative of hemp, although marijuana also contains CBD. Some states have legalized hemp products, but some are yet to do so. Ensure you check the CBD legality in your area before buying and using CBD.
Final Thoughts
There are several CBD oil benefits, but more research is needed. Epidiolex is the only product with CBD that has been approved in the U.S. Anecdotal research on CBD’s benefits is encouraging, and with more studies, researchers can find solid evidence on CBD’s wellness benefits. CBD may improve pain, inflammation, anxiety, and depression.
Ensure you speak to a doctor before using CBD if you are on medication or have a medical condition. CBD’s effects are few and rare. Try the cannabinoid starting with a low dose and see how it works out for you.
